Bangladesh: Students raise their voice against anti-Hindu remarks

Dhaka University students on Friday demonstrated under the banners of ‘Hindu Students of Dhaka University’ and ‘Bangladesh United Sanatani Awakening Alliance’. According to local media, the students protested against a classmate’s derogatory comment on social media about Hinduism and a deity. The accused student has made such comments several times.

The students demanded that the accused be suspended and given severe punishment. They appealed for institutional measures to prevent misinterpretation of Sanatan Dharma in future. According to ‘The Daily Star’, the protesters demanded to stop teachers from misinterpreting Hinduism during literary analysis classes and take action against derogatory posts targeting minorities on the university’s ‘Dhaka Bissobiddaloy Shiksharthi Sansad’ Facebook group.

According to the Dhaka Tribune, some protesters complained about their religious values ​​not being respected and questioned why the government does not take action when minority religions are insulted.

Various organizations in Bangladesh have condemned the violence targeting Hindus after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to the report of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), 408 houses of the Hindu community, 113 business establishments, 32 temples and Ahmadiya mosques have been attacked and idols in 92 temples have been vandalized across the country. The interim government of Mohammad Yunus is accused of discriminating against minorities and not providing adequate security.